Keswick is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and iconic lakes and fells in Britain and the Keswick Mountain Festival is offering a comprehensive calendar of over 30 guided walks to visitors. From gentle lakeside strolls to exhilarating mountain scrambles, the Hike programme has something for walkers of all abilities and ages.

As an incentive, Trekmates will be giving away a free gift (DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE GIFT IS? IS IT WORTH MENTIONING?) to anyone who books on to any of the walks during the festival. Each walk will be led by a fully qualified local guide, who will not only make sure that walkers are safe and comfortable during their hike, but will also inform and entertain participants with their deep knowledge of the Lake District.

Kate Thomas, director of Keswick Mountain Festival, comments:

“Walking has always been at the heart of the Keswick Mountain Festival programme. How could it not be when we’re surrounded by such a fantastic landscape? We have put together a schedule of over 30 guided walks, designed to offer as much variety as possible, both in terms of the routes they take and the level of experience needed to tackle them.

“Our aim is for the Hike programme to appeal to Lake District veterans and new visitors alike. So, on one hand we have some great challenging walks, such as scaling Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, and walking up Blencathra by night. At the other end scale we have some wonderful family walks with stunning views, taking in the great ‘Wainrights’ to the quiet beauty of Dock Tarn. And that’s just a taste of what I think is an outstanding Hike programme that is one of the highlights of this year’s festival.”

The organisers of Keswick Mountain Festival have also teamed up with Trekmates to put together a competition that will see one person (along with up to three companions) win a very special Lake District experience. The winner of ‘Lakeland 3000ers’ will be rewarded with an authentic two day Lakes adventure that will involve climbing England’s four highest mountains – Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw. The prize, worth £2,000, includes accommodation (incorporating one night of wild camping), meals and £500 worth of Trekmates gear. The winner will be looked after throughout the weekend by a fully qualified guide from the British Association of International Mountain Leaders, allowing them to fully enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

To enter, people simply have to state in 250 words or less why they should win, who they would take with them, and why. The Lakeland 3000ers entry form can be found on the competitions page on www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk. Entries open on 4 February and close on 27 May. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges from Keswick Mountain Festival and Trekmates.

Full information about the Hike programme can be found at www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk, along with details of how to book places on each walk.

For more information contact Chris Lines at Press Ahead on 0191 516 6235, 07971 868329, cl@pressahead.info or www.twitter.com/chrisjlines.

A world-class cast of speakers has been added to the line up for this year’s Keswick Mountain Festival.  From 18-22 May,  some of the UK’s most high profile outdoor personalities will make an appearance at the festival, including Ray Mears, Sir Chris Bonington, Tim Emmett, Neil Gresham, Mark Beaumont, Geoff Somers and Alastair Lee.  The festival will also host a night of high octane mountain biking films.  All of the speakers will present at the Theatre By The Lake in Keswick.

Lectures and presentations have proved to be one of the most popular features of Keswick Mountain Festival since it launched in 2007, giving visitors the chance to hear first hand about the adventures of the UK’s leading outdoor personalities.  This year will be no exception, offering the strongest programme of speakers to date.

Lucy Bennett, director of Keswick Mountain Festival, comments:

“Every year, we receive feedback from visitors that they get a huge amount of enjoyment out of seeing and hearing about the adventures of the high profile personalities who we bring to the Keswick Mountain Festival.  So, every year, we have to try and put together an even better programme of speakers than before.  Looking at our line up for 2011, I think we’ve comfortably achieved that with some fantastic names, offering a real variety of presentations that will light up the festival.”

The highlights of the week for many will be the appearance of Ray Mears and Sir Chris Bonington on Saturday 21 May, providing a stellar line up for the last night of the festival.  Very different characters, both are undisputed leaders in their field and promise to deliver an extremely entertaining and thought provoking evening.

Ray Mears (two speaking sessions) is now a household name, thanks to several successful TV series.  He is recognised throughout the world as an authority on bushcraft and survival and is known for the empathy he has with the indigenous peoples and cultures that he meets.  Sir Chris Bonington is simply Britain’s best known climber and has been exploring and mountaineering for over 50 years.  He led the team that put the first Brit on the summit of Everest and has an almost inexhaustible supply of first ascents and fascinating adventures to recount.

On the evening of Friday 20 May, the speakers will really appeal to climbers.  Neil Gresham is one of Britain’s most well known all round climbers.  Equally at home on rock or ice, he is one of the few climbers in the world to have achieved the coveted grade of E10, with his second ascent of the notorious Equilibrium.  Tim Emmett is another of the country’s climbing elite and has a long list of new routes to his name, as far afield as Mongolia, Cuba and Sri Lanka.  He is a pioneer of deep water soloing, climbing hard routes on sea cliffs around the world.

On Thursday at the festival, the main speaker will be Mark Beaumont.  Mark is the man who, at the age of 25, smashed the world record for cycling around the globe, completing the circuit an incredible 81 days faster than the previous best.  His adventures have featured in BBC documentaries and he will share his films, photography and stories.  The evening will conclude with a two hour programme of some of the latest high adrenaline mountain biking films.

First but not least, Keswick Mountain Festival’s speaker programme will kick off with Geoff Somers and Alastair Lee on Wednesday 18 May.  Geoff Somers is one of the world’s most accomplished Polar travellers and in 1990 completed the first and only traverse of the entire Antarctic continent by its greatest axis, covering over 4,000 miles.  Between 1972 and 2001 he explored incredibly diverse locations around the globe and has an amazing collection of stories and images.  Alastair Lee has rapidly developed into the hottest adventure film maker around and has already bagged almost 50 international awards for his work.  His combination of stunning action, slick editing and irreverent humour have made films such as The Asgard Project and The Prophet both hugely entertaining and very popular.

Tickets for each speaker at the Keswick Mountain Festival are available now, with prices starting at £12.  Full details of the programme can be found at www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk, where tickets can also be bought.

ends

For more information contact Chris Lines at Press Ahead on 0191 516 6235, 07971 868329, cl@pressahead.info or www.twitter.com/chrisjlines.

Cumbria is surrounded by festivals, walks, talks, fairs, classes and competitions. Experience the traditions of the Lake District this Summer. So why not plan your summer vacation right now and take a stroll through some of the stunning events coming this year.

Fun Activities To Do in Keswick

If you enjoy outdoor activities try Cumbria’s Grizeldalepen Forest Challenges of zip slides and rope bridges. Make a visit to the world’s longest pencil home and ensure that you don’t leave without paying a visit to Peter Rabbit and friends. Cumbria offers leisure time to families and travellers.

The lake District has plenty of leisure activities. This town comes with a diverse landscape that will enable you to experience a true Cumbrian adventure. You can traverse down nature trails, laser quest, ten pin bowling and kid’s playgrounds for all ages.

Try your hand at shopping in the Lake District, you will not be disappointed. Take home a souvenir to remember your trip by.  Browse the region’s most enjoyable activities. You can begin at the craft fair to embrace the traditional feel of shopping on the high street, move on to craft centres and independent shops.

Places To Visit

Theatre By The Lake

This warm hearted romance set in the city of Kansas is a great American love story from the 1950s. You can enjoy this great film among many others with your special someone while visiting the beautiful Keswick.

Gladiators & Warriors

This is an ideal summer event for children. Known as a children’s training drill which includes a military drill practise to join the Roman army. You kids will enjoy this perfectly crafted training to uncover the secrets of Gladiator training.

Food

The Cumbrian culinary is a masterpiece. There is so much dedication that goes into preparing food which resembles a work of art. The ingredients are selected carefully, they are combined and prepared until refined, then tried again in a different way. The Lake District will make you hungry. You can experience the local bakery dishes, real ale, damson gin, high class restaurants and many other specialities. Cumbria is full of inns, pubs, breweries, restaurants and food shops.

Cumbria is full of Lake District attractions for the entire family. Soon you will be wondering where to begin the adventures of exploring this great area. You’ll find a wide range of Keswick hotels with varying rates and offered services to meet your needs with hotels fairy.

Hotels And Accommodation

Keswick Lodge

Considered as a luxurious hotel in Keswick, The Keswick Lodge is situated in Keswick’s market town about two miles from Derwentwater. There are 19 rooms that include power showers and many other facilities. Keswick Lodge is one of the many famous Keswick hotels that offers stunning views of the town centre and surrounding hills. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to visit the lake. Room rates start at £82.

The Edwardene Hotel Keswick

Another luxurious hotel in Keswick, the Edwardene Hotel is a beautiful Vistorian property that is situated near the lake, theatre and market place.

It includes eleven en suite rooms and offer guests complete convenience and comfort. Room rates start at £40.

The Paddock Guest House Keswick

The Paddock hotel in Keswick dates back to the 1800′s and is also one in the listed Keswick hotels that offers guests views of the lake, parks, fells and town. It is excellent for walking and climbing. All rooms are en suite and come with many other facilities. Room rates start at £28.

Aerial photos by Simon Ledingham.

What will be on show?

They tell us that it will be the very best in Cumbrian food, drink and produce – Cockermouth town and regional venues!

Find out all about this event at: http://www.tastecumbria.com/home/

Why wait, book your hotel today in Cockermouth for this event.

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This event covers everything about food that you can wish for! There will be activities, demonstrations, talks to excite food lovers of all ages.

Keep an eye on the website:  Kendal Food Fest - http://www.kendalfestivaloffood.co.uk/ for upcoming events in the area.

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Nominate the Best Hotel in Keswick Now!

It’s simple, just nominate your favourite hotel from the list above and tell us why it should win this years award.  The 10 hotels with the best quality and quantity of nominations will then be listed here on 15th September 2010 when you will be able to vote for this years winner.

Note: If the hotel you wish to nominate is not in the list, please see our page on how to add a hotel to Hotels Fairy.  Only one vote allowed per person, so please don’t try to vote multiple times with different email addresses.  The fairy has magical ways of knowing and she will discard your votes.

In search of Keswick’s most magical Hotel

So we want you to tell us which is the BEST HOTEL IN KESWICK.

Have you stayed at a hotel in Keswick with staff who made you feel like family, with beautiful architecture, inspiring interior design, magical views or mouthwatering food?  Perhaps you know a hotel that has all these qualities and more.

We want you to tell us which hotel makes your stay truly magical and should therefore be crowned the Best Hotel in Keswick in the 2010 Hotels Fairy Awards.

Nominate now

Benefits

The winning hotel will recieve the title “Best Hotel in Keswick” aswell as over £1000 worth of promotion on the Hotels Fairy network of websites, email newsletters and social media networks, not to mention the huge PR benefits of winning the award. You can find promotional materials to let your customers know about the awards on this page…

Don’t forget to nominate your favourite hotels in Ambleside and Windermere on the following pages:

• 2010 Ambleside Hotels Fairy Award
• 2010 Windermere Hotels Fairy Award

WARNING: Unauthorised use of any Hotels Fairy Awards logo is strictly forbidden.  The Hotels Fairy logo and awards badges are copyright of Scamper Ltd.

Compare rates for the Keswick Country House Hotel NOW!

Accommodation And Amenities

Keswick Country House Hotel provides for a good nights sleep. Rooms are tastefully furnished and range from standard rooms to the more luxurious suites. You can bask in the quality and comfort of your room in this elegant hotel. The rooms situated in the main house are spacious and categorised as follows, Junior Suites, Deluxe, Four Poster, Garden, Station, Standard and Superior. The Deluxe rooms and Junior Suites provide guests with King size beds. Additionally, guests are offered a dressing gown and welcome tray.

Beds are comfortable and each room comes with its own private bathroom and toiletries, television, hairdryer, radio, trouser press, tea/coffee facilities with biscuits and direct dialling. Most of these rooms have a wonderful view overlooking the beautiful Keswick gardens or the surrounding fells.

In the original part of Keswick Country House, eight rooms are housed. These rooms are spacious and rather large and are well equipped with all facilities as in the rest of the hotel.  Official rates are:

• Twin Room £98 (inclusive of English breakfast)
• Station Room £124 (inclusive of English breakfast)

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Free accommodation for children under 2 as long as existing bedding is used.

Cancellation policy – 3 days advance notice with no fee charged.

Lonsdale Restaurant

Evening meals are wonderful at the Keswick Country House Hotel restaurant. The kitchen staff will individually prepare each of your meals. So, it is recommended that you reserve a table, at a time most convenient to you upon entering the hotel.

The Lonsdale restaurant overlooks the Keswick gardens. Whilst you are enjoying your evening meal, you can relax and gaze into the gardens with its floodlit lawns. The menu is extensive and the finest ingredients are used to prepare each dish. Breakfast is as good as the evening meal – as all your daily needs will be taken care of by the restaurant team.

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Keswick Country House Gardens

The garden at Keswick Country House Hotel includes 4 acres of well-grown and tended walkways. The hotel is flanked during the months of summer by fabulous flowers put on display. According to records, the hotel has been placed in the ‘Keswick Bloom’ in the last ten years. Keswick Country House Hotel has been honoured with many prizes. You will definitely find the perfect spot to relax at Keswick hotel. Wander through these fabulous gardens whilst contemplating its beauty and sit in quiet places whilst discovering the spectacular fells.

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Famous places near the Keswick Country House Hotel

There are so many activities available at Kesweick turn your time into a fun filled adventure. One popular place you should never miss out is Lake Derwentwater, which provides a variety of water sports, mountain biking and long and wonderful walks. For the more energetic traveler, there are popular climbs to Skidaw, Latrigg and Blencathra.

There are many famous attractions and Keswick Country House Hotel is deemed as the prime spot to begin touring these many places. You can visit England’s longest lake, Lake Windermere. Also, more famous sites include ‘Dove Cottage’ William Wordsworth’s first home and the World of Beatrix Potter exhibition. Choosing to stay at Keswick Country House Hotel is the perfect way to explore the many delights in the Lake District.

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Keswick situated in the North Lakes is a popular holiday destination. Keswick is nestled between the Derwentwater Lake and Skiddaw Mountains and is an idyllic town for a perfect getaway vacation. If you are looking at spending your holidays in Keswick, it would be a good idea to stay in the range of Keswick Guest Houses – to make your stay worthwhile.

Compare all hotels in Keswick…

Keswick Country House Hotel

Keswick Country House Hotel is situated in the beautiful Lake District and offers excellent food and world class service. This is one of the most popular amongst all the Keswick Guest Houses.

There are a variety of attractions close to Keswick Country House including biking trails and hiking. Other attractions such as entertainment venues, restaurants and local shopping outlets are simply minutes away from the hotel. You can travel by car and parking is available onsite.

Accommodation at Keswick Country House is a classic British style. Rooms at Keswick Country House include en suite bathrooms with tubs as well as showers. The rooms also have tea/coffee making facilities and are tastefully furnished.

Guests may enjoy afternoon tea at the bar. Also, you may take advantage and enjoy working out at the gym, playing croquet, swimming in the outdoor pool or simply taking a walk in the garden. If you want to relax and unwind, there is a lovely fireplace in a little lodge like lounge. Room rates start at £58 per night.

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Swinside Lodge Hotel

Known as Keswick’s renowned Keswick Guest Houses, Swinside Lodge hotel’s magnificent Victorian structure still remains. Guests are welcomed to the rustic beauty that Keswick has to offer. Situated in the Cumbrian region, guests are provided with simply a comfortable and relaxing holiday – a perfect getaway from the noisy city life. Swinside Lodge Hotel is a perfect holiday for nature lovers. The hotel is only minutes away from Dewentwater, kiddaw, Causey Pike, Blencathra and the fells of Cat Bells.

For travellers looking to explore the Cumbrian country, this is a favourite spot with close proximity to the marvellous Cumbrian terrain. You can take a walk on the shores, a boat ride or simply enjoy the surrounding scenic views.

Each bedroom comes with LCD screens and DVD players. There is central heating, tea/coffee making facilities, a clock radio and a shower as well as a bath. Rates at Swinside Lodge start at £102 per night – which includes complementary breakfast.

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Skiddaw Hotel Keswick

Skiddaw hotel offers its guests a bed and breakfast style lodging – which is in close proximity to many shops and restaurants as well as great entertainment venues. The hotel is also close to major attractions in the Lake District such as fantastic waterfalls and meadows. You can reach Skiddaw hotel by car or simply use its public transportation. Pets are allowed at Skiddaw hotel, as long as guests inform the hotel with prior notice.

All rooms are air conditioned. Rooms at Skiddaw hotel are non smoking so as to cater to the convenience of its guests and all have en suite bathrooms. The rooms are furnished with a television and in house movies – as well as the daily newspaper. Skiddaw hotel also provides guests with babysitting facilities, laundry services and dry cleaning services. Room rates start at £84 per night.

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About the Swinside Lodge Hotel

The Swinside Lodge Hotel has seven masterfully decorated and country-detailed bedrooms. The homey atmosphere of the quarters induces an uber sense of relaxation and comfort for its occupants. The staff are also cheerful and helpful, always on the ready to be of service to guests any time of the day.

Ideal for those who want to spend a holiday close to nature, the Swinside Lodge Hotel ranks highly and favorably among the Keswick hotels for its close proximity to Dewentwater and the fells of Cat Bells, kiddaw, Blencathra, Causey Pike and Swinside. The hotel is also listed as one of the Sunday Times’ “11 Best Valentine’s Day Hotels” (Sunday Times 17th January 2010).

The Swinside Lodge Hotel has been awarded the 2007 Best Small Hotel of The Year by the Cumbria Tourism, making it a highly respectable name among Keswick Hotels for the following years.

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Location

Being situated in the Cumbrian country, the Swinside Lodge Hotel is favorite haven for those looking to to explore and experience firsthand the wonders of the Cumbrian terrain. With close proximity to the Dewentwater, one of Cumbria’s famed lakes, one can simply walk along the shores and feel the cool water lapping at their feet; or take a boat ride and explore lake’s wonders and enjoy the scenic views of the terrain that surrounds it.

For those who love the allure of the inland, walks to the Barrow Fell and Cat Bells have been a main priority for most guest of Swinside Lodge Hotel, or any other Keswick Hotels for that matter. The Cat Bells hike is just 3.5 miles that literally begins from Swinside. The 3-mile walk to Barrow Fell from the village of Braithwaite ushers outdoor enthusiasts to a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Cumbrian region.

Food and Drink

The Swinside Lodge Hotel takes pride of their world-class menu, which are constantly changing every day. The hotel’s chief chef, Clive Imber, personally oversees the preparation of each dish that is served to the guests. The hotel’s menu boasts of homegrown ingredients and produce, wild fruits as well as seasonal game. For practical diners, there are always the constant beef and lamb dishes.

For people who have peculiar appetites or with some specific dietary requirements, the staff will see that their needs are well taken care of and that their dining demands are met.

Wines that are offered at Swinside Lodge Hotel are ‘clean’ as they are manufactured using the traditional process of winemaking. All wines are sourced directly from family growers.

Visit Britain has recently given the Keswick Hotel with a breakfast award for their succulent breakfast menu.

Facilities

Each bedroom is fitted with wall mounted LCD screens coupled with DVD players and a wide selection of the latest DVDs. There is also a tray for coffee and tea, central heating system, and a clock radio to help make your stay as pleasant as possible. All rooms are en suited with a shower and a bath.

There is a function room that can cater to 20 persons, a golf course, and a garden where guests can spend some time in a very relaxing environment. There are also facilities dedicated to sailing and fishing for those who want to spend time on the lake.

Rates

Rates start from £102.00 and up for one night stay, complete with a complimentary breakfast the following morning. On special arrangements, rates may vary.

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About The Keswick Lodge

The Keswick Lodge is built during the 18^th century as a coach inn and has retained some of those era’s details and structure. It is one of the few Keswick Hotels that has a 4-star rating granted by the The AA Hotel Recognition Scheme, the highest being a 5-star recognition. It is truly a great place to stay for families looking towards a great vacation or a weekend getaway. The staff are courteous and very accommodating to the needs of their guests, even for dogs, provided guests inform the staff well ahead in time.

As for the rooms, Keswick Lodge offers guests with different room types to accommodate any specific requirements by the guests. Ranging from twin to double to family rooms, each quarter has an LCD TV, a set of wares for coffee and tea, and splendid bathrooms, complete with plush bathtubs and showers.

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Location

The ancient yet bustling Keswick Lodge, one of the finest Keswick Hotels in the world, is situated right in the middle of the Lake District and is ideally located near places of interest. Aside from the peaks of Skiddaw, Scafell and Helvellyn, the Keswick Lodge is located on the north of Derwentwater, one of Cumbria’s famous lakes. The attractions in Derwentwater include a boat ride around the lake. From Keswick Lodge, you can bike or hike your way along the shores of the lake to bask in its serene beauty and scenery.

The Castlerigg, a circle of Neolithic stone of gigantic proportions dated to be 4,000 years old, overlooks the town of Keswick. The overlooking view from Castlerigg is breathtaking and is well worth the hike for even for the not so avid outdoor wanderers.

Food and Drink

The Keswick Lodge offers guests with a menu that parades the best of Cumbrian produce. Changing with the season, the Keswick Lodge menu is specked with the simplicity of home cooking and infused with culinary excellence. The lodge is just one of the hotels of Keswick that has been noted for their fresh breakfast menu, which has garnered a high rating (Highly Commended) from Britain’s Best Pub Cooked Breakfast in 2009.

The bar is also stocked with an array of wines, spirits, lagers, ales, and beer from the Thawites Brewery.

Facilities

Their on-site restaurant features great spacing and a homey detailing, which greatly sets you down for a meal or a drink. The lodge also offers adequate parking space and dedicated rooms/facilities for disabled guests. There are also non-smoking quarters for guests who prefer not to be in a cigarette smoke-filled room.

There is also a 24-hour front desk that is manned by staff who are more than willing to accommodate your needs.

Internet is not available on site.

Rates

The Keswick Lodge is a great place to stay for families, friends, lovers, and even for people going solo who are looking for the perfect outdoor holiday. Regular rates start at £75.00 for twin and double rooms. For single room occupancy, a double room costs £49.50 on a single night, which also covers breakfast on the following morning.

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